National infant mortality rates dropped more than 3% per year from 1950 to 1995 for a total decline of approximately 75%. Infant mortality in the US hit a record low in 1995, but continues to be higher than in many other countries.

In 1950, mortality for black infants was 43.9 per 1,000 births, 64% higher than the 26.8 rate for white infants. By 1995, mortality for black infants dropped to 14.9, but was almost 140% higher than the mortality rate of 6.3 for white infants.

Sources: National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, MD
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, DC